THIS JUST IN!! Athlete Jimmy Chin to visit Fontana Sports this fall!

THE NORTH FACE NEVER STOP EXPLORING SPEAKER SERIES: featuring TNF Climber and Skier Jimmy Chin

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 at Promenade Hall in the Overture Center – 201 State Street, Madison WI, 53703

5:30pm – 6:30pm: VIP reception* with Athlete at Fontana Sports Downtown location – 216 N. Henry Street
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Athlete Presentation, followed by Q&A
8:00pm – 9:00pm: Book/Poster signing by Athlete

Jimmy has been a sponsored climber and skier for the North Face Athlete Team for over ten years. He is one of the few people to climb and ski Mount Everest from the summit and has been profiled in National Geographic Magazine, Outside Magazine, People Magazine, Men's Journal and more. Jimmy is also one of the most sought after and recognized adventure sports photographers and filmmakers working today. In the past decade, Jimmy has collaborated with some of the most progressive athletes and explorers in the world, participating in and documenting break through expeditions around the planet, from climbing notable first ascents in the Karakoram, to skiing first descents in the Himalayas. He is a National Geographic photographer and has received numerous awards for his work from PDN, Communication Arts, American Society of Magazine Editors and the Lowell Thomas Journalism Awards. Most recently, he co-founded Camp 4 Collective, a production company focused on adventure sports and lifestyle. Jimmy resides outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

7 PM - Free seat (limited availability): FREE
7 PM - Guaranteed seat: $8.00
5:30 PM - VIP reception* & preferred seat: $20.00
*Proceeds from VIP Reception tickets will benefit the Ice Age Trail Foundation.

Visit http://thenorthface.inticketing.com/events/241376 to order tickets (Not available yet, but soon!)

Pheasant Branch Nordic Walkabout

Hi You Nordic Walkers!

Finally, let’s get out there and go for a walk!

Tomorrow: “if the Good Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise” (literally), I will meet anyone willing to go for a nice stretch of the legs!

I will be at  County lot (3^rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave) on Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton.  9 AM. If we have lightning, or you have to have your wind shield wipers on full tilt, the walk will not happen. Hope for good weather!

Wear comfortable, sensible shoes or boots, hat, bug spray, and sun block. Looking forward to seeing the wild life from birds, bees, reptiles, and mammals, as well, as YOU!

View Fontana Sports Events Schedule.

Judith

It's already that time of year again!

So we've started looking at our Spring/Summer 2014 Apparel, Equipment and Footwear lines already - they look great! Yes, we have to buy a year in advance, which can be tricky. What colors, patterns, technologies, etc. will be hot?! If only we could read your minds! The lines do look great though. It's always exciting to see what's new with the brands we love as we move forward and get the first peek into the future of our sales floor and what people will be rocking next year.

Sneak peek - lots of mint greens and hibiscus reds for women! Mountain Hardwear has some sweet equipment updates - an awesome new tent! Chaco has a new flip flop with options that is going to get a lot of people pretty excited! Smartwool has a new color termed Smartwool green that's pretty flashy and lots of oranges in socks for women. We hope you're getting as pumped as we are!

How To Choose A Hydration Pack

DETERMINE PACK USE 
The size & style of the hydration pack should be largely determined by the intended activity. Before picking a pack, decide what activity/activities you will be using the pack for.
High Aerobic Sports: Runners, cyclists, & skiers should opt for a waist pack-style or a low-profile backpack-style hydration system. These designs will not throw you off balance or weigh you down.
Hiking: Hikers can afford to go with a bulkier backpack that includes plenty of cargo space for water as well as gear.
Backpacking: Backpackers cannot wear an independent hydration pack, but they can stow a bladder & hose inside their full size backpack. Be sure that your backpack includes a port for the hose & an interior sleeve that will hold the bladder.


CHOOSING BETWEEN INSULATED OR NON-INSULATED PACKS
An insulated bladder sleeve & foam insulation around the hose will help prevent freeze-up in winter. This is great for skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. The insulated sleeve also keeps cold water from heating up too rapidly in hot weather. Hiking in the Grand Canyon in August? We’d suggest the insulated hydration pack! These can be nice features, but they do add to the cost of the pack & sometimes to the weight of the pack.

DETERMINE CARGO REQUIREMENT & CONSIDER PACK WEIGHT 
What do you need to carry besides water? A trail runner might just want to stash an energy bar, while someone on a long day hike might pack a actual picnic. Think about what you usually bring with you on your adventures. The cargo capacities of hydration packs are measured in cubic inches & vary greatly.
When choosing water & cargo capacity, also take into account how much the pack will weigh when full. 100 fluid ounces of water weighs about 6.5 pounds. That is a lot for a runner to carry on their back, but not too much if you will be out hiking all day in hot conditions.

DECIDE ON RESERVOIR SIZE 
Hydration requirements change greatly depending on the person, activity, and weather. Know your own body's needs, take into account how long you will be out for & find out if you can refill your water along the way. The most common reservoir sizes are 50, 70 & 100 fluid ounces. 100 fluid ounces of water weighs about 6.5 pounds.

WAIST BELT & STERNUM STRAPS 
Any hydration pack that weighs six or more pounds when full should include a waist belt. This will keep the pack from flopping around too much when you move quickly.
A sternum strap is always a good idea as it keeps the shoulder straps in place, no matter the activity.

Hydration Packs at Fontana Sports

The Story of a Backpack

by Matthew Piepenbrok

I begin the same. I pack, unpack, and then pack, then unpack, I repeat this process until I've removed all the objects and have finalized what I considered appropriate. What is left in a bag at the end of the journey speak its story, what it can do, what it can endure, and where it has been. Let the contents of this bag speak to is character and its ability:

Top Flap compartment: Wallet contents classified
Zip Portable hardrive case: contents classified
2, 2G flash drives, 8G SD card, multi card usb reader.

Secondary main zipper pocket: Epi Pen, 10 glucose tablets, Bottle containing 50 Naproxen sodium, bottle containing 30 tablets loratadine, bottle containing 30 tablets of dextromethorphan, gum, Fluticasone Propionate 50mcg, fluticasone furoate 27.5 mcg, 2 cough drops,bar natural soap, lip balm, six meatball dog treats in container, three beef stick slice dog treats in container.

Side Pocket: Fleece gloves with windstoper,120 gm merino glove liners, Scott OTG goggles with bag, 16 oz Sigg anodized aluminum water bottle, large Ice trekkers cleats.

10 individual serving salt packets, 10 individual pepper packets, one string cheese, one ziplock bag.

Side pocket: Case 6in fix blade knife in leather sheath and Omega carabiner, 2 locking belay carabiners one wrapped in 3mm nylon line 12 ft, Wire coat hanger, 8 AAA batteries, one small rare earth magnet, Silva type 7 compass, 4 ft 1 in black nylon tubbing/webbing, one pack of cigarettes 5 inside, one strike anywhere match,one foot nylon strap with d ring, standard air fill nozzle, Red AA led flashlight, 3 blade pocket knife, AAA led whiet light compact flashlight with lanyard, 2 elastic hair bands, misc. scrap papers, OSG tap and Die chat.

Pencil bag:7 various pens, magnum sharpie, chissle point sharpie , fine point sharpie, 2h pencil with 3 ft duck tape, burnishing tool, 2 lip balms , 5 gm blackpowder, 6b graphite stick with holder, Paint pen, small fine point scissors, metal nail file, steal tent stake, dry erase marker, fine point tweezers, plastic bag containing compressed charcoal stick and 2 1/4 vine charcoal, 3h pencil, mars plastic eraser, gum eraser, ink eraser, pink eraser, dry cleaning eraser, gum bar eraser, leatherman, one spent match, small bag containing silver pins and ni-crome beads.

10 L dry baja bag: merino wool socks, 2 merino wool neck gators, swix windproof light mittens, Nylon boonie cap.

Granted I have modified it: removed chest pockets, rain fly, inner back support, one side pocket liner.

This bag has traveled thousands of miles with me as my standard daypack, wilderness backcountry packing, blizzard hiking conditions, Extended travel from overnight to weeks of train hopping and hotel stops, car road trips, and daily walks to and from work, school, and home.

This list only reflects the things that linger, its main compartment carries the burden, adding the addition of computers, tablets and books, to back country cooking gear...ect, All in all a versatile water-resistant multi-condition day pack, a personal companion.

It is when I have the opportunity to unpack at the end that I am flooded by the memories and objects, all contained in this bag.

Osprey Metron 35 Backpack

Launch Sites by SealLine

SealLine, the Seattle-based market leader in all-purpose, portable gear protection products designed for use in challenging outdoor environments released the app Launch Sites, a Paddling.net app that’s loaded with more than 17,000 entry points for kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling.
SealLine sponsors the iPhone-specific app. Launch Sites provides users with an easy way to find a great place to paddle anywhere. Browse maps nearby to find the closest places to paddle. Each launch point includes information on paddling opportunities, facilities, safety, fees as well as photos from other paddlers. The app is free though some features require a free user account on paddling.net. Other features include the ability to save your favorite locations, share trips with friends via email, Facebook, and Twitter, add new launch points, rate current launches, and add information about any launch point. SealLine makes a wide variety of waterproof portable bags, packs, iPhone cases and accessories. SealLine products are made of the highest-quality waterproof materials, and are manufactured using its unmatched, proprietary RF-welding techniques. SealLine will keep your gear protected in and out of the water.

ABOUT THE SEALLINE BRAND
Seattle-based SealLine is the market leader in all-purpose, portable gear protection products designed for use in challenging outdoor environments. SealLine dry bags, dry sacks, protective cases, packs, duffles and accessories provide essential gear protection for paddle sports, urban commutes, and any outdoor adventure where moisture and dirt are a threat. The majority of SealLine brand products are made in the Seattle, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland manufacturing facilities. For more information, visit www.seallinegear.com

Frendly Gathering

Burton Snowboards is presenting the 3rd annual The Frendly Gathering, taking place at Timber Ridge in Windham, VT on June 28th & 29th. The goal for the three days is to gather the Frendly community to share the environment that consists of music, camping, inspiration, reunion and Frendship. Started by Danny Davis Professional Snowboarder & Jack Mitrani of the Frends Vision Crew. The passion for the ‘Frendly Gathering’ comes from growing up within the very inclusive community that snowboarding represents. With the venue’s capacity set at 3000 people, attendees can be guaranteed an intimate experience, short lines, and becoming a part of one single Frendly family. Music, workshops, and activities serve as catalysts to ensure a true bonding experience and to leave people inspired and motivated to carry our motto, “there is no I in Frends.”

The grassroots music festival will bring an incredible line-up of bands & DJs to the beautiful Green Mountains of southern Vermont. GET YOUR TIX'S NOW at www.frendlygathering.com or enter for a chance to win the trip to Vermont for you and a Frend: http://bit.ly/frendlycontest

XTREME HIKE with Fontana Sports and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Get excited! There is a really cool event coming to Wisconsin this year and Fontana Sports is helping to get this great cause going! The Wisconsin Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be hosting the 1st Annual XTREME HIKE (XH) on Saturday, October 5, 2013. This is a one-day, 30 mile, fully supported hike on the Ice Age National Trail. XH is an event that challenges people to test their fitness ability and endurance during a one-day hike. The hike is inspiring people across the U.S. to hike until a cure is found. Learn more about the event by joining us for an informal meeting at our Westside location (231 Junction Road, Madison, WI 53717) on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm or visit http://madison.cff.org/XtremeHike. We will also be giving a Long Distance Hiking Clinic during the informational meeting, which should come in handy! We hope you'll join us and support this great cause while doing something awesome outside!

10 Steps To Great Camping

10 steps to make your camping dream a reality.

STEP 1
Decide on a destination - Wisconsin has many great state and county parks. Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo is one example. Research campgrounds, site availability, recreation opportunities, etc. Do the sites have the facilities your family needs - showers, restrooms? Most important is to pick a place the whole family will enjoy. Note that a sticker is required for entry to all Wisconsin state parks; they cost $25 for an annual pass or $7 for a day pass.

STEP 2
Purchase a tent - There are a number of tents on the market in many sizes, anywhere from solo tents to larger 12-person models. Make your decision based on how many people are going to sleep in the tent. If you're camping near your vehicle, weight isn't an issue. If you decide to go backpacking on a trail, the lighter the tent the better. Prices range from about $40 for a simple two-person tent to $600 for a four-season expedition tent. Average cost is roughly $70 to $250.

STEP 3
Choose sleeping bags - Sleeping bag prices usually are based on the equipment's temperature rating - from minus-20 degrees ($100-$400) to plus-50 degrees ($40-$200). When camping in summer, choose a bag that is rated for a warmer temperature. Remember that you want to be comfortable and not overheated. Everyone sleeps differently, so take that into consideration when buying for the family. The kids might need a colder-rated bag for when the temperature drops at night. Earlier-season camping can be tricky because the temperatures can vary drastically, so check the weather before you go.

STEP 4
Bring proper clothing and footwear - Remember that the weather influences your camping experience, so to get the most out of your time outdoors, be prepared. Bring clothes for any type of temperature. Rain jackets and pants ($25-$200) or rain ponchos (starting at $5) are good to have so you can enjoy the trip even in the rain. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, boots are a good thing to consider. And pack sandals if you'll be chillin' at the beach.

STEP 5
Put together your food supply - If you're car camping, load up the cooler with family favorites. Keep it simple, because the easier the meal is, the easier it is to clean up and the less waste you have to worry about. For shorter trips, perishable items are great, but for longer trips, non-perishable or dehydrated foods work well. Look into dehydrated meals ($3-$7); they are quick and easy and actually taste pretty good. When away from home, snacks and desserts are always a nice treat to comfort homesick kids. S'mores are always a camp favorite around the fire.

STEP 6
Decide how you want to cook meals - If something needs heat to make it work, there's the stove or the fire. Do you want to try to cook over an open flame, or invest in a camping stove for ease and convenience? It's possible to do a bit of both. Building a fire is a fun experience as long as wood is available. A fire also helps when roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. Buying wood ahead of time is a good idea, in case wood is not available at your camp site. But note that because of concerns about the spread of gypsy moths, ash borers and other invasive species, if camping at a Wisconsin state park, the wood must be from within a 50-mile radius and can't come from out of state. Using a stove works well for meals that require boiling water, or for frying foods. Stoves are also handy when the weather is bad and firewood is wet. Camping stoves range in size and in price. Larger gas stoves cost around $40-$80. With these, you can usually bring cookware from home. Smaller backpacking stoves work great, too ($10-$140). They are lightweight and easy to use. Smaller stoves also usually require smaller cook sets ($10-$60) for easy use and less bulk.

STEP 7
Think about water - Does the place you're staying have available water? Almost every park will have running water, but if you decide to hike into the backcountry, you'll need to find your own source. For car camping, bring a large jug to contain water ($5-$20). It can be used for drinking, and also helps with cooking and cleaning. When in the backcountry, a water filter ($70) is great to have, or use Iodine tablets ($10), which make water safe to drink. Always check with the park about facilities and access to water.

STEP 8
Accessorize - It's good to have some handy accessories along during a camping trip. You'll want a lantern for light in your campsite at night ($10-$30), as well as flashlights ($6) or headlamps ($20). Always bring a knife or a handy tool set; a Swiss Army knife is great ($10-$30). Don't forget the camera, either, as camping can be the best time to get great shots of wildlife and fun family memories. Binoculars ($20-$500) are always nice to have along on any outdoor trip. Pack sunblock that is at least SPF30; it's never pleasant to get sunburned. And bring bug spray - no matter where you are, the insects will bite. As for wildlife, most places in Wisconsin are safe, but if traveling to the northern part of the state, be wary of black bears and other creatures, and plan accordingly.

STEP 9
Plan activities - While camping, it can be fun to spice up a trip with some sort of game or activity. If hiking, bring a bird field guide ($12) and try to identify what you see. If the weather is bad, having board games or card games can save everyone's spirits.

STEP 10
And finally, remember... just have fun!

For more great Fontana Sports expert tips and advise visit: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/expert-tips

Fontana Sports June 2013 Events & Clinics

CHOOSING & FITTING THE RIGHT BACKPACK
Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 Henry St., Madison WI
Join us for an intro course on how to properly choose, fit and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure. Come and learn how to get started – no experience necessary! This is a free event.

TROUT UNIVERSITY
Saturday, June 8th, 2013
Westside Location (231 Junction Rd. Madison WI) & Black Earth Creek Campus
This school is designed to teach a novice angler how to catch a trout on a fly in our Black Earth Creek Campus classroom. We cover casting, knots, equipment selection, entomology, stream reading, and fishing techniques. We even go fishing. Some equipment provided. Wisconsin Fishing License and Inland Trout Stamp Required. $150 / Day / 1 Person. Contact Craig Amacker at 608.662.9710 for more information and to reserve your space.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Monday, June 10th, 2013 at 9:00am
Governor Nelson State Park - Meet at the park entrance parking lot (2 miles west of State Hwy 113) at 5140 Cty Hwy M, Waunakee
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 at 9:30am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

XTREME HIKE - The Informational Meeting
Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
The Wisconsin Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be hosting the 1st Annual XTREME HIKE (XH) on Saturday, October 5, 2013. This is a one-day, 30 mile, fully supported hike on the Ice Age National Trail. XH is an event that challenges people to test their fitness ability and endurance during a one-day hike. The hike is fully supported and is inspiring people across the U.S. to hike until a cure is found. Learn more about the event by joining us for an informal meeting at Fontana Sports or visit http://madison.cff.org/XtremeHike. View printable event flyers: Meeting at Fontana Sports, Trail Description

DISC GOLF 101
Tuesday, June 18th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 Henry St., Madison WI
Interested in getting into Disc Golfing or wondering what all the buzz is about? We will cover how disc golf works, the best places to go around Madison, and how to best get into this sport. This is a free event.

SUMMER SOLSTICE STROLL
Thursday, June 20th, 2013 at 5:00pm- 8:00pm
Downtown Madison WI
Most of State Street & Fontana Sports Downtown Location – 216 North Henry Street, Madison, WI, 53703, 608.257.5043 Stop by Fontana Sports to get your picture taken with Ice Age Trail’s Monty the Mammoth. Afterwards try your hand at disc golf in an attempt to win a free prize! We’ll also be offering 20% off all our products with lights (headlamps, lanterns, etc.) in celebration of the solstice!

TROUT UNIVERSITY
Sunday, June 23rd, 2013
Westside Location (231 Junction Rd. Madison WI) & Black Earth Creek Campus
This school is designed to teach a novice angler how to catch a trout on a fly in our Black Earth Creek Campus classroom. We cover casting, knots, equipment selection, entomology, stream reading, and fishing techniques. We even go fishing. Some equipment provided. Wisconsin Fishing License and Inland Trout Stamp Required. $150 / Day / 1 Person. Contact Craig Amacker at 608.662.9710 for more information and to reserve your space.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Tuesday, June 25th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 Henry St., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 at 9:00am
Pheasant Branch Conservancy – Meet at County Lot (3rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave.) on Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

JOIN US!

Join us this Saturday for Cars on State, Cows on the Concourse and the Downtown Farmer's Market! There's always plenty going on near our Downtown location in Madison, WI. We're hoping for nice, sunny weather and a good turn out! Don't forget Ride The Drive is happening this Sunday too! Here's some more info about the events:

http://www.carsonstate.com/
http://www.cowsontheconcourse.org/
http://www.dcfm.org/
http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/ridethedrive/

We hope you'll stop by and say hello on your visit Downtown! :)

It's that time again - Morel Season!

It's morel time again here in Wisconsin! The Hutchinson's, (Fontana Sports owners) had great success yesterday hunting the countryside of Sauk County. Look at all those morels! We hope you get out and have some good luck hunting as well. We suggest dead Elm Tree stumps on hillsides as a good starting point! :)

Black Earth Creek Trout Shocking

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 the Wisconsin DNR conducted shocking on Black Earth Creek.  These pictures were taken near South Valley Road between Cross Plains and Black Earth by Fontana Sports President and Fly Fishing Addict, John Hutchinson.  The shocking is done to get a size count and density count of fish.  The results look like a medium density of rainbow and brown trout for 2013!  Hopefully the water levels will hold after a long runoff!

Fontana Sports April 2013 Clinics

Hey there Fontana Friends,
I hope you are ready to join me as we meet and greet the Spring time with our Nordic poles and determination to get out there and hike! Please read and let Elizabeth know if you can join me. This is also a great time to sign up for an  introduction class again,if you feel rusty, and/or invite family, friends and interested parties to join me for a free class to introduce them to Nordic Walking, on April 9^th at our Westside location.
There are also some other great clinics being offered this April at both locations that may peak your interest and help you make the most of another great Wisconsin spring and summer.

See you soon!

Judith Hutchinson V.P. Fontana Sports Specialties

FONTANA SPORTS APRIL 2013 CLINICS

Nordic Walking Intro Course
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013 at 9:30am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Depending on the weather, we’ll walk inside or outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

Nordic Walkabout
Tuesday, April 16th at 9 am
Pheasant Branch Conservancy – Meet at County Lot (3rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave.) on Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

The Coolest Backcountry Campsites on the North Country Trail in Minnesota
Thursday, April 18^th at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI Join us as we welcome Eagle Scout Todd McMahon to share his experiences hiking over 550 miles on the North Country Trail in Minnesota. He’ll be sharing the best campsites he’s found along the way as well as tips and gear advice. We hope to see you!

Packing for your next Boundary Water Trek
Monday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
In this instructional clinic, we will discuss the gear and supplies necessary to make your next Boundary Water trip more fun and less work, without compromising your safety or comfort in camp.

Nordic Walking Intro Course
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013 at 9:30am
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Depending on the weather, we’ll walk inside or outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

Boot Fitting 101
Wednesday, April 24th at 6 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI Join us as we teach you how to properly choose and fit your hiking boots. Finding the right pair of hiking boots can make all the difference in enjoying your next adventure. We’ll also give tips on accessories that make your feet more comfortable. Your feet will thank you for attending!

Fly Casting Class
Saturday, April 27th, 2013 at 9:00am- 11:30am
Lakeview Park in Middleton WI
Teaching basic fly casting fundamentals to beginners and and advanced techniques to experienced anglers. Our classroom at Lakeview Park in Middleton WI provides a unique setting for both dry land and on water casting instruction.Classes are taught by a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Fly CastingInstructor, and both beginning and distance casting classes are offered. Equipment provided. $55/1 Person. Contact Craig Amacker at 608.662.9710 for more information and to reserve your space.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Fontana Sports!

John and Judith Hutchinson, Owners of Fontana Sports, are feeling the St. Patrick's Day spirit! They want to wish everyone a safe and fun St. Patrick's day weekend. They're all for wearing green this weekend and getting some good Irish food and drink from somewhere local, we hope you are too!

Launch Party at Fontana Sports!

Join Kevin Searock for the launch of his new book, Troutsmith! WHEN: Thursday, March 28 at 4:00PM WHERE: Fontana Sports Specialties 231 Junction Road, Madison, WI Kevin Searock transports readers to the waterside as he explores the timeless relationship between the outdoors and the sport of fishing. Whether standing in a quiet Wisconsin creek, by a high-country lake in Wyoming, or on the grassy margins of England’s hallowed chalkstreams, Kevin Searock believes anglers are driven by a vision: “There are things on this good Earth that only the angler sees, and one of them is the breathless beauty of a trout emerging from a river.” Here, in this evocative collection of fishing essays, he takes readers under the surface of this ancient sport, casting a spell of water-magic. Although trout are central to many of the stories, bluegills, bass, and other warm-water fish also grace these pages. “We all, if we are lucky, find ways of loving the world. Fishing is how Kevin Searock loves the world. These essays, like all good love stories, are windows into a strange and obsessive heart. Searock’s fishing illuminates our land and waters and the nature and mystery of how we love. " ~David Allan Cates, author of Freeman Walker Kevin Searock is an avid fisherman, photographer, and outdoors writer whose articles have appeared in Gray’s Sporting Journal, Midwest Fly Fishing, Wisconsin Outdoor Journal, and Wisconsin Trails. He lives in Baraboo, Wisconsin,and teaches advanced placement biology and chemistry at Portage High School. For review copies of this book, photos, or more information: Elena Spagnolie, Publicity Manager publicity@uwpress.wisc.edu Phone: 608-263-0734, Fax: 608-263-1132 For individual orders: Purchase from your favorite bookseller or directly from the University of Wisconsin Press using the links above The University of Wisconsin Press 1930 Monroe St. 3rd Floor Madison Wisconsin 53711-2059 U.S.A. Contact Us

Paddle Fest, March 8 - 10, 2013

I wanted to make sure to everyone knows about Paddle Fest this weekend! Great deals and tons of new spring/summer products in! I can almost feel the warmth of the sun while kayaking in Wisconsin in late July... even though that seems a ways off, it will be here before we know it! So be sure to take advantage of the great deals this weekend. Deals are offered at both locations, but our wonderful Manufacturer Reps will only be at our Westside location. We hope to see you!

6th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Hi Friends,

I'm taking a quick minute to invite you to join us, John, Elizabeth and I, with Fontana Sports Specialties, for a special night. We, Fontana Sports, have sponsored this annual  film fest for years because we feel it's important to bring this event to Madison. Each year the attendance is good and the event receives lots of positive spin off conversations and actions as a result of the program.

There are 14  short films, the winners of international film contests. Some will be animations, others will take you all over the world. It's informative, exciting, beautiful photography, and thought provoking! Much will be informative of ways we can make a difference just by being aware when the subjects of climate, locations, and scientific topics arise. Please join us.

At a time when money is short, sales soft, and seasons unpredictable, John and I still choose to spend $1,000.00 to bring this to our community. Together, we must be aware, active, and this is our way to help inform and support these efforts. ALL Proceeds go to River Alliance of Wisconsin. A ticket can be purchased at either Fontana Sports, the Barrymore Theatre, or Frugal Muse Bookstore.

Thank you, and I hope you can join us. It’s a special night during the intermission there is beer, wine or soda available, as well as popcorn, while we meet and catch up, as well as discuss the films.


Judith Hutchinson
Fontana Sports Specialties V.P.

There will be a drawing for a $50.00 Fontana Sports Specialties Gift Card during intermission. Good luck to all who attend

For more information about this event, please visit: http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/events/wild-and-scenic

THE BEST FRIENDS TO MAKE!

We at Fontana Sports are thrilled that you’re getting into downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and/or snowshoeing. The place to go before you go is your local shop and we are it! We can show you the latest tech, fit you for boots and skis or a snowboard, or just answer your general questions! The best friends to make when you’re getting started on the hill are those at your local ski shop. We’ll get you set up, refer you to local clubs, get you outfitted at the best prices and best prep you for your formidable days on the mountain. Stop by and see us first! :)

We're OPEN today at both locations!

Good morning! Well, the buses may not be going today and the schools and malls may be closed, but we wanted to let you know that both Fontana Sports locations are OPEN today & ready to get you out & playing in this beautiful snow! We've got the skis, snowboards, snowshoes & sleds you need, plus the apparel & footwear to keep you warm & dry. Come see us & let's celebrate Madison finally getting some real snow! We're open regular hours at both locations. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions before you head out - West 608.833.9191 or Downtown 608.257.5043. Have a great SNOW DAY!